H1N1 virus finally reaches blockaded Gaza Strip

H1N1 swine flu has finally reached the Gaza Strip, the health ministry said on Sunday, worrying Palestinians who had credited Israel's blockade of the territory with keeping the virus at bay.

The ministry said five people had been diagnosed with H1N1 on Saturday. Health workers said it appeared to have been kept out until now due to restrictions that limit the flow of people as well as goods into the enclave, which is governed by the Hamas group.

"The illness hit Gaza," said Hassan Khalaf, deputy health minister in the Gaza administration. "We have finalised a national plan to deal with it."